Former Blues midfielder Liam Trotter has announced his retirement at the age of 34.

Ipswich-born Trotter was a member of the Blues’ U18s side which won the FA Youth Cup in 2005, having joined the academy at 16 from Bury Town’s youth set-up, and went on to make 18 senior starts and eight sub appearances, scoring twice.

While with Town, the former Northgate High School pupil spent time on loan at Millwall, Grimsby and Scunthorpe before a second spell with the Lions which became a full-time move in the summer of 2010.

Four years later, Trotter joined Bolton Wanderers following a loan spell, then had stints with Nottingham Forest on loan - scoring a debut goal against the Blues to claim a draw at the City Ground - AFC Wimbledon, Orange County in the US, Bromley and finally Chelmsford, with whom he won the Player of the Year award this season.

“And just like that, 18+ years pass by in the blink of an eye,” Trotter wrote on Instagram.

“It's hard to put into words all the emotions l'm feeling, but the overwhelming feeling in this moment is gratitude.

“I'm grateful that I was fortunate enough to have a dream as a kid, and to actually live that dream.

“I'm grateful I had family and friends who supported me with this dream and were there for me every step of the way.

“I'm grateful that I was able to represent and play for such amazing football clubs, including my home town.

“I'm grateful I was able to learn so much more about the game I love from the coaches and managers I played for.

“I'm grateful I got to experience promotions, relegation, cup runs, goals, derbies, Wembley and more.

“I'm grateful for the fans that supported me and the ones who pushed me to be better.

“Most of all, I'm grateful for every single player I played with, and against, you are all what made this journey so special.

“Some have become friends for life, but all of us will remain connected having shared the same dream and lived it together.

“Excited and scared for what maybe next, but it's time to find out who ‘Liam Trotter’ is without football.

“If the next 20 years are half as good as the last 20, then I guess I'm just one lucky man.”

Elsewhere, another Ipswich-born former Town player, ex-loanee Macauley Bonne, has been released by Charlton Athletic having joined the Addicks on a short-term deal in January.

Photo: Action Images

Suffolkboy added 19:44 - May 15 Well done LT ,well said LT and how fitting that you should express yourself in such an articulate manner ,conveying the love and pleasure you've found doing what you aimed to do ! Very best wishes for your future ! COYB
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Kropotkin123 added 19:44 - May 15 Now I feel old! Good luck to him.
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ThaiBlue added 19:54 - May 15 He can do more work with dell boy and rodney now
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Hipsterectomy added 20:33 - May 15 didnt ask
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heavyweight added 20:41 - May 15 Charlie Brown also released from Cheltenham.
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tractor_lady added 22:37 - May 15 Can't believe he only made a handful of starts for us seemed like he played much more than that!
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WeWereZombies added 23:06 - May 15 Never see his name without thinking about how unjust that red card against Portsmouth was.
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MickMillsTash added 23:30 - May 15 Part of the Keane era - or should that read victim Looked good at times for ITFC and better for Millwall against us, Great message - Well done Liam Trotter
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Radlett_blue added 09:04 - May 16 Yes Zombies - I recall the ridiculous red card against Portsmouth for one slightly mistimed challenge. Mark Halsey sent him off after the advice of the 4th official, who had Joe Jordan in his ear bellowing for Trotter to be sent off.
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JackNorthStand added 10:38 - May 16 Seem to remember he was red carded against Portsmouth in an fa cup tie then didn't feature again and was moved on?
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Radlett_blue added 11:17 - May 16 No Jack. Trotter got a 3 game suspension for the red card, but he played a few more games later in the season. He was considered peripheral in 2008-09 & was loaned out to Grimsby & Scunthorpe, who wanted to sign him. Keane initially gave him his chance as a starter, but he wasn't really up to it & was loaned to Millwall, eventually moving there permanently.
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solemio added 11:32 - May 16 To be fair I wouldn't have argued with Joe Jordan!
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Linkboy13 added 15:08 - May 16 Another promising player hampered by injuries too his career. The referee involved in his sending off against Portsmouth apparently because of his young age tried to make an example of him.
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Monkey_Blue added 16:15 - May 16 My enduring memory of him was being at White Hart Lane for the FAYC first leg and his dink over the keeper. Had Keane not been the boss when he broke through may have had a longer Town career. Suspect he was too laid back for the dark Lord. 😉👍
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